Retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy came under heavy gunfire in Borno State.
The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has heightened fears over the worsening security situation in the region.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, revealed the incident during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening.
According to Ndume, the ambush took place near a frontline military base, targeting the retired general and the soldiers accompanying him.
Though casualty details remain unclear, the senator confirmed that a fierce gun battle erupted between the assailants and Buratai’s escort team.
“We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno.
“His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets,” he said.
The attackers allegedly aimed at high-value military assets, such as Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), tanks, and heavy machine guns.
Senator Ndume further noted that, in some instances, the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also seize weapons and equipment from the scene.
“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly.
“Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he added.
Ndume also used the opportunity to paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s broader security landscape, noting that violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have extended across the nation.
“All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.
“Even in the South-South, we are grappling with economic sabotage like oil theft. At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region,” he said.
The attack on Buratai comes at a time of growing demands for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security framework, especially in the conflict-ridden North-East where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions persist in carrying out deadly operations with apparent impunity.
Buratai, who held the position of Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, played a key role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts during his tenure.
Since retiring, he has continued to wield significant influence within security and defense circles.
